The fieldfare is easily recognisable with its slate-grey head, nape and rump, dark brown back, blackish tail and boldly speckled breast. In flight, its white under wing-coverts and axillaries are conspicuous. The average adult length is 25 cm., the winglength is 14.5 cm. and the tarsal length 3.5 cm.

The call is mostly uttered in flight and is a harsh "tsak tsak tsuk". The same sound, but softer, is made more conversationally when individuals gather in trees. When angry or alarmed they emit various warning sounds reminiscent of the mistle thrush (Turdus viscivorous).

The fieldfare is omnivorous. 

It is highly gregarious, quite shy and easily scared in the winter and bold and noisy in the breeding season.